The 2016 Election. Philando Castile. Stoneman Douglas. Kavanaugh's Confirmation.
What these events have in common is they all occurred during an era in America where the meaning of the word "justice" is being distorted. Recently, many Americans have been losing faith in the justice system. It feels like our judicial system is repeatedly failing us, allowing bigotry to win, over and over again.
Historically, it seems that we have made large strides of progress towards equality, whether that be in the case of people of color, women, or the lgbt+ community. Or have we?
The 2016 election was shattering for many voters because it proved that Americans value economic success more than they value protecting minority rights. It also shone a light on our lack of rights for many underrepresented or oppressed groups.
During the 2016 election, CNN did a study which proved that the U.S. falls behind countries such as Rwanda, India, and Afghanistan in terms of women's rights, countries we typically place beneath us in terms of advancement. Racism has also taken on a new face. Though slavery and segregation have been abolished, police brutality is still a prevalent problem for the African American community, as detailed in this Smithsonian article. And though it is evident that school shootings are an issue, it seems as if our justice system wants to increase the number of guns in schools by arming teachers, though that would just exacerbate the issue, not solve it.
As difficult as it is, I would like to urge everyone to not lose hope. It may seem impossible, but we've changed the world before, and we can do it again. The entire foundation of America was based on the fact that people wanted to rebel against a tyrannical and selfish regime and create a better life for their fellow citizens. I strongly believe that through civic engagement, i.e.: VOTING, we can create positive change in our nation.
Voter turnout in the United States is shockingly low. For the presidential elections, voter turnout has typically been between 50-60% since 1948. For the midterm elections, voter turnout is typically below 50%. This is alarming because it means that approximately half of all eligible voters are apathetic to the condition of our nation.
Many ask, "Do midterms even matter?" The short answer: yes, yes, a thousand times yes.
The entire House of Representatives, 35 seats in the 100-member Senate and 36 out of 50 state governors, along with many state and local offices are up for election, according to this BBC article. The results of this year's midterm election will affect the next two years in terms of balance in the House and Senate.
So what can we all do to change things? We can get out there, vote, and make a difference. We can look online for who we are able to vote for, and what issues are at stake. The important thing is to have an opinion. Read articles, stay up to date on the news, and learn how to tell that what you're reading isn't falsified or biased. Apathy is a plague, and our generation needs to step up and advocate for what is right and ethical in order to preserve the little humanity there is left in the world.
I believe that if everyone who advocates for human rights in their daily lives takes their opinions to the polls on November 6th, we truly can make a difference. Whether it is by word of mouth, social media, or articles like these, I urge you to stand up for what you believe in and stand up for our voiceless, oppressed brothers and sisters who need us. Use your privilege for positive world change, and do your best to be heard.
No matter what, never forget that your voice matters.
I voted in the primaries back in MarchAnushree Rayarikar
